Demba Ba has admitted to finding it tough at being left out for the majority of the Chelsea matches this season, but vowed to continue to work hard and show Jose Mourinho he is worthy of a regular place in the starting XI.
Ba, who nearly made a switch to Arsenal on transfer deadline day, before the move broke down in the final moments, has hardly featured for Chelsea this season, with Mourinho primarily rotating his striking options between Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o.
However, against Norwich at the weekend, Ba was given a run-out from the beginning, and the former Newcastle striker did not disappoint impressing with his physical presence and posing a constant threat to the Norwich goal.
Ba also grabbed himself an assist, after setting up Oscar for the game's opener. The 28-year-old is hopeful the Norwich performance will prompt Mourinho to give him more opportunities to shine.
"It's difficult to be left on the sidelines but, as I'm a professional, and a good one, I always work hard and wait for moments like this," Ba told the club's official website.
"It's all about giving 100 percent and showing that you should be picked for the next game. I showed that and gave my best and when I came off I was happy with my performance.
"It was only a couple of hours before the game that I knew I was playing but I gave everything and I was happy with how it went.
"I always work hard to be ready when the team needs me, that's why we're here, especially the offensive players. I'm happy I made the assist for Oscar and I'm happy with the win.
"It was a tough game, they gave us a really good match and we're really happy because we responded."
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic wants his side to pick up some momentum from the Norwich win and continue their march up the table.
"When we're back from the national team (following the international break), we have a very tight schedule of games," Ivanovic said. "I think we have to work very hard to be top, and use all the squad for these kinds of games that are coming up for us. I think we are (heading) in the right way.
"This year is going to be a very tough, a very difficult league. Every team will have a bad period and a good period. The important thing is in the bad period to take the points, and to stay (in contention).
"Arsenal are doing well at the moment, but the season is a long one."
